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How To Write A Football Romance
Old sparks flare fast in Cedar Hollow when a bestselling romance author reunites with her first love in this emotional, slow-burn, second-chance, small-town romance.
One minute I’m drowning in the noise of Los Angeles, staring down a book deal about a sport I know nothing about, and the next I’m back in my childhood bedroom, hoping small-town quiet will fix my writer’s block.
But when I run into my ex–high school sweetheart, Calder Holt—somehow taller, broader, and even more unfairly handsome than I remember—I realize the story blocking me isn’t the football romance my publisher wants…it’s the one I left behind seven years ago.
Between Friday-night lights, the way his eyes find mine in the stands, and a moment under the bleachers that feels dangerously like high school all over again, it’s clear he’s not just teaching me about football.
I want to believe this time we could finally choose each other. But Calder rebuilt his life carefully after I left—and I don’t know if he’s willing to risk his heart on the same girl who shattered it once.
What happens when the deadline looms and I realize my heart is tangled in two stories—the one I’m writing…and the one pulling me back to him?
How to Write a Football Romance is a clean, swoon-worthy story about an author diving into a sport she barely understands…and finding something she never expected along the way. Perfect for readers who love small-town charm, second-chance romance, high-school-ex tension, heartwarming slow burns, and sweet, satisfying happily-ever-afters.
One minute I’m drowning in the noise of Los Angeles, staring down a book deal about a sport I know nothing about, and the next I’m back in my childhood bedroom, hoping small-town quiet will fix my writer’s block.
But when I run into my ex–high school sweetheart, Calder Holt—somehow taller, broader, and even more unfairly handsome than I remember—I realize the story blocking me isn’t the football romance my publisher wants…it’s the one I left behind seven years ago.
Between Friday-night lights, the way his eyes find mine in the stands, and a moment under the bleachers that feels dangerously like high school all over again, it’s clear he’s not just teaching me about football.
I want to believe this time we could finally choose each other. But Calder rebuilt his life carefully after I left—and I don’t know if he’s willing to risk his heart on the same girl who shattered it once.
What happens when the deadline looms and I realize my heart is tangled in two stories—the one I’m writing…and the one pulling me back to him?
How to Write a Football Romance is a clean, swoon-worthy story about an author diving into a sport she barely understands…and finding something she never expected along the way. Perfect for readers who love small-town charm, second-chance romance, high-school-ex tension, heartwarming slow burns, and sweet, satisfying happily-ever-afters.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
18 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 9, 2026
So sweet and warm! 🥹 I loved the idea of an author seeking help from her ex-boyfriend to help her write a sports romance! I thought it was neat to read some of the football terms that were mentioned. You could see the love that Kit and Calder still had for each other! I can’t wait to read more from Erin Renee!
January 12, 2026
The perfect cozy novella!!! Kit and Cal were *chefs kiss*. So warm and sweet! Small town love. 🥰🩷 A clean kisses only love story!!!
January 19, 2026
I love the simplicity of a good romance novel. No lies or cheating. No scandal. No chaotic energy or story line that feels unreal. Just a simple story that could be real. The journey. The butterflies. The happy ending. It was beautiful and everything I love about reading.
February 10, 2026
Books like these are the reason I will forever love being a romance reader 😍
Second-chance romance is not usually my first choice, but as an avid football fan, sports romances are always a yes for me, and I am so glad I picked this one up. Erin Renee delivers such a heartfelt, charming story, filled with quirky exes, emotional depth, and a delightful behind-the-scenes glimpse into an author’s life. I was hooked from the very first chapter and loved every second of it.
Kit Mercer is the kind of introvert I instantly adored. She hates the spotlight, prefers her own company, and is hilariously awkward around people, especially around her ex of seven years, whom she is still very much in love with. Her character felt real, relatable, and incredibly endearing.
Calder Holt is the ultimate golden retriever hero that you will absolutely love. The kind of guy who buys a house because the girl he loved at seventeen once described it as her dream home (even though they've been apart for 7 years!) The kind of guy who buys her very first book and rereads it every year on its release anniversary. My heart genuinely melted 😭😍
This romance was pure perfection! Sweet, funny, no spice, and wrapped in the warmest small-town charm, with a beautiful sense of nostalgia and the magic of coming home. I loved the author's insights and being part of Kit’s writing journey, thoroughly enjoyed the football moments, and completely fell apart over that breathtaking ending. The grand romantic gesture was definitely one of my absolute favorites and it had me grinning like a fool while simultaneously crying my eyes out.
A wholesome, heart-stealing second-chance romance that deserves all the love and a spot on every romance reader's TBR!
Second-chance romance is not usually my first choice, but as an avid football fan, sports romances are always a yes for me, and I am so glad I picked this one up. Erin Renee delivers such a heartfelt, charming story, filled with quirky exes, emotional depth, and a delightful behind-the-scenes glimpse into an author’s life. I was hooked from the very first chapter and loved every second of it.
Kit Mercer is the kind of introvert I instantly adored. She hates the spotlight, prefers her own company, and is hilariously awkward around people, especially around her ex of seven years, whom she is still very much in love with. Her character felt real, relatable, and incredibly endearing.
Calder Holt is the ultimate golden retriever hero that you will absolutely love. The kind of guy who buys a house because the girl he loved at seventeen once described it as her dream home (even though they've been apart for 7 years!) The kind of guy who buys her very first book and rereads it every year on its release anniversary. My heart genuinely melted 😭😍
This romance was pure perfection! Sweet, funny, no spice, and wrapped in the warmest small-town charm, with a beautiful sense of nostalgia and the magic of coming home. I loved the author's insights and being part of Kit’s writing journey, thoroughly enjoyed the football moments, and completely fell apart over that breathtaking ending. The grand romantic gesture was definitely one of my absolute favorites and it had me grinning like a fool while simultaneously crying my eyes out.
A wholesome, heart-stealing second-chance romance that deserves all the love and a spot on every romance reader's TBR!
March 9, 2026
This was such a cute book I couldn’t put it down .
It was a short book so I finished it on no time and I wanted to read more and I hope more books will follow soon.
Kit goes back to her hometown to get some inspiration for writing her book and there she sees ex boyfriend she left behind .
Calder can’t believe Kit is back in town after leaving him and cedar Hollow behind but what is she doing back after being gone for so long ?
Calder is the football coach now and she is a romance writer .
She needs inspiration for her book and is Calder the one to give her inspiration for her book?
I highly recommend picking this book up and I hope there is a second book coming soon
It was a short book so I finished it on no time and I wanted to read more and I hope more books will follow soon.
Kit goes back to her hometown to get some inspiration for writing her book and there she sees ex boyfriend she left behind .
Calder can’t believe Kit is back in town after leaving him and cedar Hollow behind but what is she doing back after being gone for so long ?
Calder is the football coach now and she is a romance writer .
She needs inspiration for her book and is Calder the one to give her inspiration for her book?
I highly recommend picking this book up and I hope there is a second book coming soon
January 30, 2026
How To Write A Football Romance by @authorerinrenee
Calton and Kit, high school sweethearts before Kit made the decision to end their relationship as they started college apart. Seven years later they reunite and it’s obvious the feelings are still there. The story is set in current time, with flashbacks of their past together, which I feel worked well.
Small town vibes, Friday night football games and a second chance for two people who have loved each other for years makes this book such a great read!
So many sweet moments and honest feelings shared throughout the story, which I loved!
~ Fave Quotes ~
Football was the dream I chased. But she was the dream I wanted.
Sometimes home is the place where love finally stops running.
This is the debut novel from Erin Renee and i’m looking forward to reading more from her!
Calton and Kit, high school sweethearts before Kit made the decision to end their relationship as they started college apart. Seven years later they reunite and it’s obvious the feelings are still there. The story is set in current time, with flashbacks of their past together, which I feel worked well.
Small town vibes, Friday night football games and a second chance for two people who have loved each other for years makes this book such a great read!
So many sweet moments and honest feelings shared throughout the story, which I loved!
~ Fave Quotes ~
Football was the dream I chased. But she was the dream I wanted.
Sometimes home is the place where love finally stops running.
This is the debut novel from Erin Renee and i’m looking forward to reading more from her!
April 15, 2026
Very sweet
I enjoyed this so much. I love her writing style. It's simple and emotive. You get a sense of space, but even more your immersed in the emotions of the characters and the scene. I really enjoyed the book in the story and how it was woven into the story.
I was also giggling alot through it. A very fun happy read.
I enjoyed this so much. I love her writing style. It's simple and emotive. You get a sense of space, but even more your immersed in the emotions of the characters and the scene. I really enjoyed the book in the story and how it was woven into the story.
I was also giggling alot through it. A very fun happy read.
February 2, 2026
all the feels
Really liked how this book had all the warm feels. It was saturated with love & longing in all the good ways. Few editing errors, but it didn’t take away from the feel of the book at all. It was great!
Really liked how this book had all the warm feels. It was saturated with love & longing in all the good ways. Few editing errors, but it didn’t take away from the feel of the book at all. It was great!
February 22, 2026
This is a fun, light, quick read. The writing style is fun and if you’re looking for a sweet second chance love story with a small town high school football coach, an author and a grand gesture, definitely give it a read!
Closed door
Closed door
March 9, 2026
Cute, feel good story that keeps it moving. Though I find it slightly hard to believe that she was madly in love with a high school football star in small-town-football-is-life Texas and didn’t pick up *any* football knowledge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
Such a great book! I really enjoyed it. I laughed, I cried, I was smiling pretty much the whole book.
January 22, 2026
Very sweet. I liked the second chance aspect. The plot being around an author needing her ex’s help to write a football romance was a fun idea.
February 2, 2026
Good read
Well developed characters. The storyline was sweet. Nothing was far fetched, the story was believable. Really enjoyed reading this book.
Well developed characters. The storyline was sweet. Nothing was far fetched, the story was believable. Really enjoyed reading this book.
April 28, 2026
This was such a fun, sweet read! It’s a good little combo of two of my favorite things: romance stories, and football. I’m excited to read more from Erin Renee in the future!
January 10, 2026
absolutely OBSESSED!! the way their relationship is written is beautiful and you can truly feel the love they both still hold for each other!!
so beautifully written and i cannot wait to read more🫶🏼
so beautifully written and i cannot wait to read more🫶🏼
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews